Avoiding full-priced alcohol on Royal Caribbean

[jaygee77]

Well, after a few years away from cruising, I'm finally back in the fold. I've tried to catch up on a lot of the updates and changes, but to an extent the amount of material to cover is overwhelming. 

 

There are so many avid cruisers on this board, and you all are so knowledgeable about the details of cruising. What I'm trying to do is figure out how best to get cheap(ish) drinks on board Royal Caribbean. Here's what I've come up with so far:

 

I'm not going to sneak anything on board. I'm reformed. Besides, I know where those threads are. This isn't one of them. 

 

I'm also not going to purchase the unlimited drink package. I'm sailing with my wife and two kids. It's not THAT kind of cruise for me. 

 

It looks like I can get a 375 mL bottle of rum delivered to my room, in the Cruise Planner. But it also says my ship (Independence) is not eligible. I'm confused. Is this a case of RCI's website being incorrect? It looks like this may only apply to Texas-based sailings. 

 

Do RCI bars ever do BOGO drinks? I saw a thread somewhere that indicated as much, but it was one of the more secluded bars, only at a certain time. Do these BOGOs get advertised in the cruise compass? Or do you just have to know? 

 

I'm a pretty consistent table games gambler in the casino, albeit at very low stakes. I get that they don't want to give free drinks away to hit-and-run gamblers. But has anyone ever had success getting drinks comped in the casino? I'm a Platinum level on Crown and Anchor, if that matters. I know Diamond has this as a perk. 

 

Are there any other tips or tricks that I'm missing? Thanks in advance, especially if you have read this far. I really appreciate you! 

[OVgirl]

You might want to post this same question over on the RCI board.  More chance of answers from people who are familiar with their bar service.